2023 Acura MDX vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid emerged as a bold departure from its predecessors, showcasing a striking new design that was both longer and wider. Its sharp, angular lines and dramatic grille, which seamlessly integrated with the LED lighting, set it apart from the crowd. The Tucson's exterior was a gamble, with its hard creases and futuristic aesthetic, but it was undeniably distinctive. Inside, the Tucson offered a spacious and airy cabin, with standard heated front seats and a range of tech features, including a 10.25-inch digital driver display and wireless device charging on higher trims. The interior design was open, with an unobstructed view thanks to the integrated infotainment display and hoodless driver information display.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S presented a more subtle yet luxurious appearance. The MDX featured chicane-design LED lights, a panoramic moonroof, and 21-inch wheels that gave it a commanding presence. Inside, the Type S Ultra trim boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, the interior design had its drawbacks, with gloss black plastic making controls difficult to use and the electronic transmission switchgear occasionally confusing. Despite these minor issues, the MDX Type S was a fundamentally attractive luxury SUV, offering a comfortable and stylish cabin.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided a noticeably quicker and more responsive driving experience compared to the gas-powered version. The Tucson Hybrid's six-speed automatic transmission performed admirably, and its suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections while maintaining balance through corners. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the hybrid achieving 6.4 L/100 km combined, a significant improvement over the gas model.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Despite the power increase, the Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance experience. The 10-speed automatic transmission was indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance, with squealing tires and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.9 L/100 km during testing. While the MDX Type S offered various driving modes and performance enhancements, it failed to provide the expected thrill and cohesion of a true performance SUV.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive cargo space, with 1,097 litres in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. The dual-level cargo floor added versatility, and the interior provided ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Tucson's cabin was thoughtfully designed, with convenient storage solutions and ambient lighting adding a touch of flair.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats were adjustable, offering flexibility for third-row access, though the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's cargo area was spacious, with 461 litres behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded. However, the interior design prioritized style over storage, with limited space for small items. The Type S Ultra trim featured luxurious amenities like 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage and a hands-free liftgate.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with native software, though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay only utilized a portion of the screen. The infotainment system relied on touch-capacitive buttons, which could be frustrating, but steering-wheel controls offered an alternative. The Tucson provided ample USB ports and a premium Bose audio system in the Ultimate trim.

The 2023 Acura MDX boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display, but the lack of a touchscreen required the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI). While the TTI aimed to improve interaction, it added complexity and reduced storage space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, along with a high-end ELS Studio 3D audio system. A head-up display was available on higher trims, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot collision avoidance. The Ultimate trim added advanced features like a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. The Tucson earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a robust set of safety technologies, such as collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera system on higher trims. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though it experienced a false collision warning during testing.